B-2: an easily absorbed, water-soluble micronutrient with a key role in maintaining human health. Riboflavin is an orange powder, and water solutions have intense greenish yellow fluorescence. Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin, one that cannot be stored by the body except in insignificant amounts. It must be replenished daily. Like the other B vitamins, it supports energy production by aiding in the metabolising of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B2 is also required for red blood cell formation and respiration, antibody production, and for regulating human growth and reproduction. It is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair growth and general good health, including regulating thyroid activity. Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is an essential nutrient in human nutrition and plays a key role in the production of energy. Vitamin B2 is needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into the fuel the body runs on. Under some conditions, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant. Vitamin B2 is an intermediary the transfer of electrons in the cellular oxidation-reduction reactions which generate energy from protein, carbohydrate and fat. The riboflavin coenzymes are also important for the transformation of vitamin B6 and folic acid into their respective active forms, and for the conversion of tryptophan into niacin. Riboflavin is involved in energy production as part of the electron transport chain that produces cellular energy.

B-5: Pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, is an antioxidant water-soluble vitamin needed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Pantothenic acid comes in three forms, and it is alternately known as vitamin B5, panthenol and calcium pantothenate. Pantothenic acid is integral to many of the activities of enzymes in the human body. The body uses pantothenic acid to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy. Pantothenic acid functions as a component of coenzyme A and phosphopantetheine, which are involved in fatty acid metabolism. This vitamin also produces numerous enzymes and helps maintain precise communication between the central nervous system and the brain. Pantothenic acid is vital to the synthesis and maintenance of coenzyme A (CoA), a cofactor and acyl group carrier for many enzymatic processes, and acyl carrier protein, a component of the fatty acid synthase complex. Pantothenic acid is metabolized to coenzyme A via a sequence of steps. Coenzyme A is a precursor of acyl carrier protein. Coenzyme A (CoA) is involved in the metabolic release of energy from macronutrients – especially fats – from the TCA cycle, metabolism of drugs and toxins in the liver, and the synthesis of lipids, acetylcholine, steroid hormones, porphyrins, hemoglobin, and melatonin. Because of the wide variety of roles CoA plays in the body, the utilities of supplemental pantothenic acid are many. Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that it cannot be stored by the body and must be replenished every day. Pantothenic acid is virtually ubiquitous. It is present in foods as diverse as poultry, soybeans, yogurt, and sweet potatoes. Pantothenic acid comes in two forms: calcium pantothenate and pantethine. The former is widely used for treating ailments from stress to heartburn, while pantethine is mainly recommended for lowering blood cholesterol levels in those who don't respond to other natural treatments. The principal supplemental form of pantothenic acid is calcium D-pantothenate (D-calcium pantothenate). Dexpanthenol, the corresponding alcohol of pantothenic acid is also available. Dexpanthenol is used topically to promote wound healing.

B-6: a water-soluble vitamin that exists in three major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide variety of functions in your body and is essential for your good health. For example, vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It is also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and immune systems need vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it is also needed for the conversion of tryptophan (an amino acid) to niacin (a vitamin). Your body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin (which carries oxygen from red blood cells to tissues). Vitamin B6 also helps increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. A vitamin B6 deficiency can result in a form of anemia that is similar to iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin B6, through its involvement in protein metabolism and cellular growth, is important to the immune system. It helps maintain the health of lymphoid organs (thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes) that make your white blood cells. Animal studies show that a vitamin B6 deficiency can decrease your antibody production and suppress your immune response. Vitamin B6 also helps maintain your blood glucose (sugar) within a normal range. When caloric intake is low your body needs vitamin B6 to help convert stored carbohydrate or other nutrients to glucose to maintain normal blood sugar levels. While a shortage of vitamin B6 will limit these functions, supplements of this vitamin do not enhance them in well-nourished individuals.

B-12: vitamin B-12 (cobalamin), stored in the liver, is a co-factor for two coenzymes. Methyl-cobalamin catalyzes methyl group transfer from a folic acid co-factor to form methionine. The unmethylated folate co-factor then participates in single carbon reactions for nucleic acid synthesis. Thus some symptoms of vitamin B-12 and folic deficiencies are similar. The B-12 coenzyme deoxyadenosylcobalamin catalyzes amino and fatty acid breakdown.

Bailey’s Flower Essences: a family business run by Arthur and Christine Bailey and their daughter Rebecca Hunter. Arthur has been making flower essences and working with dowsing and geopathic stress for some 40 years.

B-Complex: a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), cyanocobalamin (B12), folic acid, and biotin. These vitamins are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (this provides energy for the body), the breakdown of fats and proteins (which aids the normal functioning of the nervous system), muscle tone in the stomach and intestinal tract, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. Some doctors and nutritionists suggest taking the B-complex vitamins as a group for overall good health. However, most agree that the best way to get our B vitamins is naturally – through the foods we eat.

Benzo (a) pyrene: one of a group of compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They are not produced or used commercially but are very commonly found since they are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic materials. EPA has found benzo(a)pyrene to potentially cause the following health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time: red blood cell damage, leading to anemia; suppressed immune system. From a lifetime of exposure, Benzo(a)pyrene has the potential to cause the following effects (at levels above the MCL): developmental and reproductive effects; cancer.

Benzo (g,h,i) perylene: one of a group of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs for short. PAHs are often found together in groups of two or more. They can exist in over 100 different combinations but the most common are treated as a group of 15. PAHs are found naturally in the environment but they can also be man-made. Benzo(g,h,i)perylene is a colorless crystal-like solid. PAHs are created when products like coal, oil, gas, and garbage are burned but the burning process is not complete.

Berberis Homaccord: a Heel homeopathic remedy that provides temporary relief of minor inflammation and irritation in the area of urogenital tract, be it cramping, colic, or discomfort. It also provides support for the kidney and gallbladder systems. It ismade from Berberis Vulgaris, which is derived from the Barberry plant.

Betaine Hcl Pepsin: gastric-juice components essential to the digestion of food and absorption of most nutrients. In particular, betaine HCl is necessary for adequate absorption of protein, calcium, vitamin B-12 and iron. The low pH of the stomach's hydrochloric acid destroys ingested bacteria and microorganisms. This formula can be beneficial for anyone seeking enhanced digestive function.

Beta-Plex: a liquid beta-carotene (supplying vitamin A). Because it does not go through the liver, it can be taken in a greater dosage than the ordinary oral forms without causing toxicity. It has been found to be especially useful with Sjögren’s Syndrome.

Big Field Drops: made by Nutri Energetic Systems, these “infoceuticals” are encoded at the subatomic level with information – a complex blend of electromagnetic, magnetic and gravitational vectors. This information is designed to directly interact with the body field and remove blockages caused by shocks, traumas, toxins, emotional issues and other factors. By clearing these blockages, the integrity of the body’s information field is restored and our inherent healing ability is returned. Biophysics research suggests that for an organism to exhibit the properties of life it must have both a chemical presence and an information field presence. The information field directs and regulates the energy transfer and chemical activity in a way that brings ‘life’ to the ‘lifeless’ chemical elements that form a physical organism. The human body-field is also an integral component of consciousness, mental function, memory and emotions, which are all vital parts of our non-physical being.

Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.): a physical yet non-forceful, energy-balancing procedure used by the hands to reestablish the full healing potential of the body using its natural healing abilities. B.E.S.T. removes the interference and/or distractions that are demanding the attention of the healing power; thereby causing the imbalance in the autonomic nervous system and ultimately leading to disease. The Basic or Face-down procedure is a portion of the B.E.S.T. system designed to be studied as an entry level to the technique. This procedure is based on scientific principles utilizing pressure points to effectively allow the patient's body to update physiological function based on current need rather than past experience. By first stabilizing the Parasympathetic nervous system and then balancing the Sympathetic nervous system with it, total body balance with lasting updated muscle memory patterns is possible. When muscles are effectively balanced, including the intrinsic muscles of the spine, vertebral subluxations are repositioned naturally and with virtually no force. This method of reducing subluxation is both painless and effective, since the body's own muscles do the work. By taking this approach, updated cerebellar messages communicate with the affected muscle-spindle/golgi tendon to balance spinal muscle tone. The physical procedure is administered in the prone position, utilizing the Prone Leg Check, palpating the spinal muscles, and lightly holding pressure points along the spine.

BioMeridian MSA: the world's largest manufacturer of Meridian Stress Assessment instrumentation. These devices are used by integrative health care practitioners around the world to assess functional health. The company's system is a state-of-the-art hardware platform coupled with sophisticated application software.

BioMeridian Stress Assessment: measures the energy at the meridian points, which directs the practitioner to probable areas of imbalance. This technology is used in various health care practices around the world. It gives practitioners more information to consider, while trying to bring their client's energetic disturbances back into balance.

BioProbe: a site that was dedicated to exploring the legal and political issues of mercury amalgam fillings. The site is no longer online.

biopsy: the removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. When only a sample of tissue is removed, the procedure is called an incisional biopsy. When an entire lump or suspicious area is removed, the procedure is called an excisional biopsy. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy, core biopsy, or fine-needle aspiration.

BioResource Inc: serves as the U.S. distributor for two powerful lines of German-made complementary medicines: the unique PEKANA homeopathic-spagyric medications for drainage, detoxification and regeneration, and SanPharma immune-metabolic remedies for powerful immune system support. Established in 1998 by Michael Sheehan, the company also handles, the ImmPower (mushroom extract) immune system support, the AlkaBase alkalizing powder and a line of pharmaceutical grade Essential Oils from ORMED. Prior to founding BioResource, Mr. Sheehan worked for 10 years to educate practitioners about immune modulation therapy and bring German remedies to the US. He also began working with key North American instructors in 1996 to hold educational seminars, and has published numerous magazine articles. Today, BioResource is dedicated to providing practitioners with high quality, highly effective remedies and superior customer service. The PEKANA homeopathic-spagyric medications and SanPharma fungal and bacterial immune-metabolic remedies are produced in Germany under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations, the World Health Organization's most modern worldwide production standards.

birth control pills: oral contraceptives are one of the most extensively studied medications in the US. The first birth control pill, Enovid, was introduced in 1960. Since then, over 45 brands have become available to women. Birth control pills have changed significantly since their introduction. Most importantly, the dosages of the pills have been markedy reduced. As the dosages have decreased, the side effects women experienced also decreased. Currently prescribed pills have approximately one-tenth the amount of medication used in the first pills of the 1960’s. Most BCP’s contain two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are synthetic versions of naturally occurring female hormones. They work primarily by preventing ovulation.

Black Cohosh: also called black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, and rattleweed, black cohosh has a history of use for rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain), but has been used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor. The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or liquid extracts (tinctures).

bladder: the bladder is responsible for storing and excreting urine. As previously discussed, the lungs, spleen and kidneys all have roles in fluid metabolism and regulating the water distribution in the body. The "turbid' water collected by the kidneys that cannot be reused by the body is sent to the bladder for excretion as urine. TCM describes this function as "vaporization" of urine in the bladder. Disharmony of the bladder can lead to urinary problems such as incontinence or difficult urination. Kidney function complements bladder function so a problem with the bladder often indicates kidney problems as well.

bladder meridian: starts at the inner side of the eye and goes across the forehead to reach the top of the head where it branches into the brain. The main channel then goes across the back of the head and divides into two branches. One branch crosses the center of the base of the neck and extends downwards parallel to the spine. Once in the lumbar region (bottom of the spine), it branches out to reach the bladder. The other branch crosses the back of the shoulder and runs downward on the outside, which is adjacent and parallel to the inner branch. It continues down until it reaches the buttocks where two branches run across the back of thigh along different pathways that join at the back of the knee. The joint meridian then continues along the back of the lower leg, circles behind the outer ankle, runs along the outside of the foot and terminates on the lateral side of the tip of the small toe, where it connects with the Kidney Meridian.

Bland, Dr. Jeffrey: a doctor at the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM). Dr Bland has had a distinguished career in nutritional biochemistry that has earned him international acclaim as educator, research professor, leader in the natural products industry, recognized expert in human nutrition and functional medicine, and visionary for the future of health care. Dr. Bland now serves as Chief Science Officer of Metagenics, Inc. He co-founded The Institute for Functional Medicine with his wife, Susan Bland.

Blue Vervain: the leaves and roots of Blue Vervain are a valuable alternative medicine used as an antidiarrheal, analgesic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. It is useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, pleurisy, scrofula, gravel, easing pain in the bowels and expelling worms. A very strong infusion is emetic. As a medicinal poultice it is good in headache and rheumatism. An infusion of the plant is a good galactagogue (increases breast milk) and used for female obstructions, afterpains and taken as a female tonic.

The infusion is used to help pass kidney stones and for infections of the bladder. Used as a sudorific and taken for colds and coughs. Also useful for insomnia and other nervous conditions. Recent medical research has detected the presents of adenosine, aucubin, beta-carotene, caffeic-acid, citral, hastatoside, lupeol, ursolic-acid, verbenalin, verbenin, and other chemical constituents in this plant which prove these uses to be valid. But much more research needs to be done on this herb and its constituents. It may prove to be useful in treating many cancers and other diseases.

Board Cafe - Free Nonprofit Newsletter: an electronic newsletter exclusively for members of nonprofit boards of directors. Short enough to read over a cup of coffee, Board Café offers a menu of ideas, information, opinion, news, and resources to help board members give and get the most out of board service. There are over 70 great issues in the archive! Board Café is published by CompassPoint Nonprofit Services (www.compasspoint.org) The Board Café is written by Jan Masaoka, assisted by an Editorial Committee of Mike Allison, Diane Johnson, Brooke Mahoney, Nora Silver, and Tim Wolfred. Carrie D’Andrea manages the Board Café Emporium and all the Board Café’s logistics, along with Roald Alexander, CompassPoint’s technology manager.

BoardSource: provides resources to nonprofit leaders through workshops, training, and an extensive Web-based database. They also offer governance consultants (who work directly with nonprofit leaders to design specialized solutions to meet an organization's needs) as well as the most comprehensive selection of material on nonprofit governance, including a large selection of booklets, books, videotapes, and audiotapes. BoardSource holds an annual conference that brings together approximately 600 board members and chief executives of nonprofit organizations from around the world.

Body Burden, the Pollution in People: a branch of the Environmental Working Group, the Human Toxome Project maps the pollution in people. A group of scientists, engineers, and medical doctors use cutting edge biomonitoring techniques to test blood, urine, breast milk and other human tissues for industrial chemicals that enter the human body as pollution via food, air, and water, or from exposures to ingredients in everyday consumer products.

body memories: memories stored in the body that are not immediately accessible by the conscious mind, but which nevertheless illicit strong unconscious reactions to stimuli. They are particularly potent in regards to traumatic experiences.

Bone-Up: combines Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite (MCHA) (from free-range Australian calves) with Glucosamine to support the deposition of calcium into the bones as well as to assist in building up the organic bone matrix.

Boyd, Dr Robert: creator of the Bio Cranial System (BCS). It was developed in the United Kingdom over a period extending from the late 1970’s and 80’s and the conclusions and understandings were finally announced to the world in 1988. The BCS approach relates to the role that the involuntary movement of the cranial (head) bones plays in our health levels and is very different from any other cranial based therapies. We have become used to appending names to disorders – arthritis, eczema, tumors, sciatica, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, endometriosis, varicosity and so on. It is names such as these that are merely descriptions of symptoms – a kind of a classification. In Bio Cranial we see these as areas of breakdown of the total person, even in most cases of injury, and requiring the total person to be addressed. We decidedly do not treat “diseases” or symptoms.

Brain stem: the lower part of the brain, consisting of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata. The brain stem is responsible for many of the body’s unconscious functions, as well as playing a critical role in basic consciousness.

isoleucine, and valine. These essential amino acids provide nutritional support for athletes and individuals seeking optimal lean muscle mass. Branched chain amino acids are unique in that they are not metabolized by the liver. BCAAs may play a role in athletic support by promoting muscle nitrogen, enhancing alanine and glutamine production, decreasing lactate production and boosting energy while attenuating protein breakdown These actions help to sustain muscle work capacity and recovery. Studies have reported that post-exercise protein intake helps to enhance the repair of muscle protein. Additionally, some research has suggested that BCAAs may moderate the progression of central nervous system fatigue during exercise, supporting mental performance.

Breast Cancer: What You Should Know (But May Not Be Told) About Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment: a book by Steve Austin, N.D. and Cathy Hitchcock, M.S.W. The authors encourage women with breast cancer to take control of the choices in treatment of their disease. A husband and wife team, Hitchcock and Austin walk you step-by-step through each part of diagnosis, treatment (both conventional and alternative), and prevention (including prevention of a recurrence). With the help of a flow chart, they examine different diagnosis options. They also suggest questions to ask your doctor and offer checklists, summaries, and overviews. Interwoven with all this information, Cathy shares her personal story as a breast cancer survivor. She describes her ordeal upon discovering the lump and the transitions she has gone through to live with the diagnosis in a life-affirming way. Unlike many other breast cancer patients, Cathy didn’t simply accept the choices offered by medical doctors. Instead, with the help of her husband, she studied the research and made her own decisions about conventional and alternative treatments.

breathwork: proper breathing enhances many healing modalities including Tai Chi, Reiki, massage, meditation, and yoga. Follow this link to view a page of resources for different styles and techniques of breathwork.

bridge (dental): dental bridges consist of a custom-made false tooth supported on either side by one or two porcelain crowns, or composite bonding material. The dental bridge is used to aesthetically eliminate the gap left by a missing tooth, giving the patient a decade or more of comfortable wear.

Bronchi-Pertu: a syrup that is used for bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and other infections of the breathing passageways. It stimulates excretion of toxins that cause symptoms such as a dry cough with stabbing pains and pus, emphysema and headaches. In addition, this medication functions as a natural plant antimicrobial without the side effects of allopathic equivalents. Brochi-Pertu syrup also can help patients who suffer from inherited weakness of the local mucous membranes, such as asthmatics and those prone to severe whooping cough. Practitioners must be aware that continuous bronchial infections indicate a serious ongoing intoxification that requires an exact diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent the eventual development of asthma.

Burchiel, Scott W. Ph.D.: a professor of Pharm/Tox and Immunology at the UNM College of Pharmacy. Dr. Burchiel’s research interests are generally in the area of immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology with emphasis on the effects of drugs and environmental agents on signaling pathways controlling lymphocyte activation and apoptosis. He has recently expanded this interest to include control of normal human mammary cell proliferation and proto-oncogene activation by environmental agents. He also has extensive experience in preclinical and clinical evaluation of new biotechnology drugs, most notably cytokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules, and monoclonal antibodies.